Treatment of headaches (migraine)

Migraine is a chronic neurological condition characterized by intense headaches that are often accompanied by feelings of nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light and sound.

The main symptoms of migraine:

• Intense, throbbing headaches, most often unilateral;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light);
• Phonophobia (sensitivity to sounds);

Visual and sensory auras that can precede headaches, which can include flickering lights or temporary loss of vision.

According to the World Health Organization, migraine affects about 12% of the world's population, with women suffering from the condition three times more often than men. This condition can significantly impair quality of life and requires a comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention.

The main causes (triggers) of migraine can vary from person to person, but the most common are:

• Stress and emotional strain;
• Hormonal fluctuations (especially in women);
• Improper diet and dehydration;
• Lack of sleep or excessive sleep;
• Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol;
• Abrupt changes in weather.

Methods of migraine (headache) treatment

Medications

Migraine treatment often involves the use of medications, which can be divided into two main categories:

Medications to control attacks of pain

• Analgesic drugs (for example: paracetamol, ibuprofen);
• Triptans - drugs that reduce vascular inflammation and take away the main symptoms of migraine;
• Antiemetics to eliminate nausea and vomiting.
• Another group are drugs for the prevention of pain attacks: antidepressants, beta-blockers and calcium channel antagonists.

Non-medicamentous ways of treatment

For comprehensive treatment of the disease, doctors of neurology, can recommend:

• Head and neck massage (help relieve tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders);
• Physiotherapy;
• Acupuncture (helps reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks);
• Regular exercise;
• Healthy diet;
• Sleep regimen.

Following lifestyle change recommendations can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

• A balanced diet - a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially magnesium;
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption;
• Regular physical activity: yoga, swimming and other stress-reducing sports;
• Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, observing its regularity and duration.

How to distinguish a migraine from an ordinary headache?

Migraine is often characterized by a high intensity of pain, and is also accompanied by accompanying symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, the presence of aura.

Can migraine be completely cured?

Migraine cannot be completely cured, but properly selected therapy and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Additional tips

• Keeping a headache diary helps identify triggers to avoid them in the future.
• Regular consultations with your doctor allow you to adjust your treatment and achieve better results.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) reduces stress and improves quality of life.

Migraine is a serious condition that can significantly affect quality of life. Utilizing a comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention, has helped many patients achieve significant improvements in their condition.